What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
desecrate
Example
The vandals desecrated the church by spray-painting graffiti on the walls. [desecrated: past tense]
Example
It is considered sacrilegious to desecrate a cemetery. [desecrate: verb]
debase
Example
The company's decision to use cheap materials debased the quality of their products. [debased: past tense]
Example
The politician's scandalous behavior debased his reputation in the eyes of the public. [debased: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Debase is more commonly used than desecrate in everyday language. Debase is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while desecrate is less common and refers to a specific type of disrespectful behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between desecrate and debase?
Both desecrate and debase are formal words that are typically used in serious or academic contexts. However, desecrate may be considered more formal due to its association with religious or sacred objects.
